Texprocess 2019 Brings latest technologies together at one platform
At Techtextil and Texprocess, the textile and apparel industries displayed their most progressive side and even in challenging times still inspired a positive mood throughout the sector as a result. Record numbers of exhibitors and the highest levels of international participation to date have once again confirmed Frankfurt as the sector’s global marketplace.
With a total of 1,818 exhibitors from 59 countries and, in all, some 47,000 trade visitors from 116 countries, the two biggest editions of Techtextil and Texprocess ever to be held, ended in Frankfurt recently. Accordingly, for four days, the Frankfurt Fair and Exhibition Centre once again became the leading international platform for users of technical textiles from the widest variety of sectors, as well as for manufacturers of apparel, fashionwear, upholstered furniture and leather products.
“Over the last four days, Techtextil and Texprocess have brought together the entire world of textiles and their areas of application in Frankfurt. This doublebarrelled trade fair had, in particular, three major things going for it: A larger number of top decision-makers, higher levels of international participation and a greater degree of satisfaction amongst exhibitors than ever before. Both exhibitors and visitors were extremely well prepared and actively took advantage of what was on offer at the two fairs, in order to drive their business forward in focussed ways,” says Detlef Braun, Member of the Executive Board of Messe Frankfurt.
Techtextil scores highly for visitor quality and variety of users
“We were thoroughly inundated on the very first day, particularly with international visitors. On top of our already high proportion of existing customers, we got lots of new contacts during the course of the trade fair,” says Dr. Günther Gradnig, Managing Director at Sattler Pro-Tex GmbH. The response of exhibitors to the high levels of technical expertise amongst the visitors has been extremely positive. “The nice thing about Techtextil is that the visitors you meet are 100 per cent specialists. The discussions we have had have been exclusively on a technical level – and a very high level at that. At the end of the day, this provides the foundation of good business,” confirms Jörg Perwitzschky, Director of Marketing at Bayern Innovativ, speaking of visitor quality.
Performance, functionality, and smart textiles – in abundance
There was, amongst other things, strong representation at Techtextil for suppliers of fabrics for functional apparel and of smart textiles with integral lighting, heating and sensory functionality, which are used in sportswear, fashionwear, outdoor clothes and workwear. With these products, companies like Schoeller, Freudenberg, RUDOLF and Lenzing attracted designers, product managers and buyers from a host of well-known clothing manufacturers. “We had loads of people at our stand, who were looking for specific things, including many well-known brands such as Alpha Tauri, Mammut, North Face and Tommy Hilfiger,” confirms Hendrikus van Es, Head of Protection Textiles and Member of the Senior Management Team of Schoeller Textil AG. There were, moreover, numerous exhibitors for accessories and components including, for instance, international market leaders for zip fasteners, YKK. “Visitors came from all over the world, from the US, Pakistan, Asia, even Columbia. We are fantastically satisfied with the show,” says, for example, Jan Cees van Baaren, Sales Manager at YKK.
Texprocess a huge boost for the sector
“Texprocess has inspired a very positive mood amongst suppliers. The manufacturers of sewing and apparel technology and of machinery for the processing of technical textiles and leather, have been reporting a certain reluctance to invest amongst their customers, caused by, among other things, current international trade barriers,” says Elgar Straub, General Manager of the Textile Care, Fabric and Leather Technologies (TFL) division of the VDMA (Association of German Machine and Plant Manufacturers). “We look towards the future with a great deal of positivity.”
Texprocess was also all about digital solutions for the sector – from fully networked production lines in the form of micro-factories and machines capable of autonomous learning to cloud-based collaboration between designers, product developers, manufactures and retailers across national boundaries. “Digitalisation and interlinked networks in the sector are gaining traction and have now reached as far as the retail shop,” says Straub. “An effect that we summarise as Impact 4.0, the direct effects of Industry 4.0.” It is something Alexander Behm, Product Manager Technical Textiles at H Stoll AG & Co. KG also confirms, “I think that, in the not too distant future, things will go more and more in that direction and, in partnership with software suppliers and machinery manufacturers for other stages of the work, will eventually include the entire process chain.” These particular knitting machine manufacturers showcased the 3D knitting of shoe uppers in the Digital Textile Micro-Factory at Techtextil and Texprocess.
Gemini CAD Systems were manifestly delighted with their own micro-factory: “With our ‘Pixel to Product’ concept, we were able to clearly show our many visitors the benefits of made to measure garments and the end-to-end workflow to produce them. The connection to the clothing and fashion industry plays a very important role for us. That is why we will a show micro factory in July with several partners at the world‘s largest trade show for sustainable fashion, Neonyt, during Berlin Fashion Week,” says Luca Traian, CEO Gemini CAD Systems.
Textile industry and textile processers increasingly committed to sustainability
With ‘Sustainability at Techtextil and Texprocess’ both trade fairs concentrated the focus on the approaches that its exhibitors are adopting to sustainability issues. A dedicated exhibition guide took visitors straight to the relevant exhibitors. Marc W Lorch, CEO of Zwissler Holding AG: “For us, the sustainability focus at this year’s Techtextil was extremely important. We have our own Sustainability Manager, who consistently takes care of this matter and its ramifications in all areas. We not only talk about sustainability – we live it. We have been preparing ourselves for this appearance for a long time in the run up to the show and have also involved our customers and suppliers.” And, for the first time, there were, in 2019, two winners of the Techtextil Innovation Award in the sustainability category. The next Techtextil and Texprocess will take place from 4 to 7 May 2021.
Texprocess Forum: Expertise for the textile-processing industry and trade
Digitalisation and sustainability were the dominant subjects at Texprocess Forum. Accordingly, Messe Frankfurt brought part of its Fashionsustain conference from Berlin to Frankfurt for the first time. Sustainability was the driving force for innovation, inter-connected textile processing, e-commerce and the next steps in the direction of Industry 4.0.
Focus on sustainability and conference première in Frankfurt
Within the framework of the Texprocess Forum, Messe Frankfurt brought an offshoot of its Fashionsustain conference to Frankfurt on 14 May. Fashionsustain is part of Neonyt, an event hub specialising in sustainable fashion during the Berliner Fashion Week. The innovative conference format adds pioneering, sustainable textile innovations to the dialogue and uses synergistic effects in the sector to revolutionise processes and production flows. The superordinate question, ‘Is Sustainability the Key to Textile Innovations?,” were discussed in round table sessions with key players, such as Lenzing, Perpetual Global and Procalçado S.A. A keynote lecture by Micke Magnusson, Co-founder of the Swedish “We are Spindye’ start-up, addressed the economic need for sustainable business models and give action impulses.
Subsequently, fibre manufacturer Lenzing, embroidery-machine manufacturer Santoni and shoe-component manufacturer Procalçado S.A. presented an innovation roadshow entitled ‘The Future of Eco-Conscious Footwear Manufacturing’. The road show was supported by the Texpertise Network of Messe Frankfurt. It illustrates sustainable shoe manufacturing and shows how a sustainability revolution in the fashion and textile industry can become reality today. The panel discussion was chained by Marte Hentschel, Founder of Sourcebook, the B2B network for the fashion industry.
Additional contributions about sustainability at Texprocess Forum were given, inter alia, by GSM Global Sustainable Management GmbH on the recycling economy and its integration in the product-development process, textile manufacturer Vossen GmbH on vegan textiles and investment company Triple Tree on sustainable CSR management and audit solutions for complete transparency.
Impact 4.0: What comes after Industry 4.0?
Which changes triggered by Industry 4.0 are already part of the value chain? This was the main question of the thematic block organised by the VDMA Textile Care, Fabric and Leather Technologies association on the afternoon of 14 May and discussed in two round-table sessions by Andreas Faath, VDMA Forum Industry 4.0, Dr Yves-Simon Gloy, Sächsisches Textilforschungsinstitute.V., Dr Klaus Hecker, VDMA Organic and Printed Electronics Association and spokespeople from DESMA Shoe Machinery, Efka, Frankl und Kirchner and Expert Systemtechnik.
Digitalisation, product development, quality and environmental management
The subjects selected by DTB – Dialogue Textile Apparel – for the Texprocess Forum on 15 and 16 May spotlight those parts of the textile process chain most affected by digitalisation. With Holger Knapp, CEO of the Deutscher Fachverlag publishing company in the chair, Hans-Peter Hiemer of B4B Solutions opened proceedings with a keynote address on the digital transformation of the fashion business. This was followed by a panel discussion entitled ‘Old hands, reckless young people – how to get the best from your team with 3D!’ with Professor Michael Ernst of Germany’s Niederrhein University, Dr Andreas Seidl of Human Solutions and other experts.
Thereafter, digital solutions for the fashion trade, e.g., digital showrooms and sales tools, were the focal point of contributions by MobiMedia and Assyst GmbH. Lectra discussed ways to fashion on demand, Sys-Pro looked at omni-channel solutions and Avalution GmbH at avatars in the digital development of apparel. In its contribution, the Hohenstein Testing Institute considered whether virtual prototypes are also suitable for resale products while WKS Textilveredlungs GmbH asked how quality assurance can go together with shorter lead times. Trade visitors also looked forward to contributions by PTC on product lifecycle management, by S.HE Business on e-commerce, by Spedition Barth & Co on automatic flat-goods stores, by EFIT e.V. on care labelling as a sign of quality and by zExur on qualitative colour measurement with multi-coloured textiles.
Individualisation and networked production
In the panel discussion organised by the World Textile Information Network (WTiN) on 17 May, Coloreel, the winner of the 2017 Texprocess Innovation Award, introduced its revolutionary thread colouring technology, the German Institute for Textile and Fibre Research, Denkendorf, spoke about micro-factories in the textile industry, KSL discussed sewing robots and WTiN looked at the influence of Amazon on investment, patents and the future.
Winners of the Texprocess Innovation Awards 2019
The Texprocess Innovation Award 2019 for new and further technological developments in the field of textile processing was presented to four winners recently. At official opening ceremony, four winners were presented with the Texprocess Innovation Award 2019 for new and further technological developments in the field of textile processing. All award-winning projects were displayed in a special exhibition at Texprocess until 17 May, 2019.
Award winners in the ‘New Technology’ category
In the ‘New Technology’ category, the jury was particularly impressed by the new M-TYPE DELTA sewing system made by Dürkopp Adler AG. The award-winning industrial-sewing concept can be integrated into a fully digitalised sewing production line for automotive interiors, home upholstery, leather goods and technical textiles. Using digital solutions to the maximum extent, the machine guides the operator and continuously augments its functions and ‘knowledge’.
The second award in the ‘New Technology’ category went to Vetron Typical Europe GmbH for the Vetron Viper, an ultra-lightweight sewing system made using carbon components. The system weighs a total of six kg, including yarn corps and drive motor, which means a smaller and more cost-effective industrial robot can be used in the sewing process. Thus, the solution is compact, flexible and easy to install and remove.
Award winners in the ‘New Process’ category
The award winners in the ‘New Process’ category include Assyst GmbH for a 3D innovation process. For the first time, the company showcased at Texprocess how a digital process innovation can revolutionise the textile value chain, from design to development and sales. Assyst has developed a virtual decision-making aid for everyone involved in the process, from Designers in the creative phase, via Product Developers in the virtual fitting stage, to sales staff with a 3D in-store presentation. Moreover, the technology provides a completely new product experience for both B2B and B2C customers.
The second award in this category went to Lectra for its fashion-on-demand technology, the first end-to-end solution for personalising fashions. The turnkey solution automates on-demand production so that companies can now process several individual orders at the same time, including individualised apparel. In other words, individualized products can be delivered just as fast as standard articles.
The jury of the 5th Texprocess Innovation Award comprised Alexander Artschwager, German Institutes for Textile and Fibre Research Denkendorf, Centre for Management Research (DITF-MR); Claudia van Bonn, Deutscher Fachverlag GmbH; Prof Ives-Simon Gloy, Sächsisches Textilforschungsinstitute.V.; Iris Schlomski, textile network; Walter Wählt (Chairman of the jury), adidas AG; Prof Kerstin Zöll, Hochschule Niederrhein University of Applied Sciences, Textile and Clothing Technology Faculty.
The Texprocess Innovation Award has been honouring outstanding achievements and new developments for processing textile and flexible materials since 2011. The winning products were selected on the basis of criteria such as innovativeness, choice of materials and ecological quality.
ITMA 2019 Gears up for vibrant technological showcase
The world’s leading textile and garment technology exhibition, ITMA 2019 is gearing up for another vibrant showcase of the latest trends, technologies and materials. The show will be held from 20 to 26 June at Fira de Barcelona, Gran Via venue. The exhibition will feature over 1,600 exhibitors who will be showcasing their latest technologies and sustainable solutions for the entire textile and garment manufacturing value chain, as well as fibres, yarns and fabrics.
“The response for ITMA 2019 is so overwhelming that we have not been able to meet the demand for space despite adding two more exhibition halls. ITMA is a show for the industry, by the industry. Hence, we are of the opinion that ITMA should feature a wide spectrum of cutting-edge solutions from as many solutions providers as possible, whether established or new-to-market,” says Fritz P Mayer, President of CEMATEX.
Charles Beauduin, Chairman of ITMA Services, which organises ITMA 2019, elaborated, “As an international platform, our priority is to accommodate as many eligible applicants as possible to participate in the exhibition. It is heartening that the CEMATEX associations are supportive of this approach. Currently, we were only able to accommodate some 1,660 exhibitors from 47 countries on the show floor.”
Federico Pellegata, Director of ACIMIT (Association of Italian Textile Machinery Manufacturers), commented, “We understand the space constraints and appreciate that the organising team’s priority is to try to maximise the admission of companies so that ITMA 2019 can be a more vibrant and trendsetting platform that will benefit the entire industry.”
One of the top sectors in terms of space applied is spinning. An exciting sector at ITMA 2019 is printing. Previously part of the finishing sector, printing as a standalone chapter has garnered very strong interest as the industry embraces digital transformation. The number of exhibitors in the printing and inks sector has jumped some 30 per cent from ITMA 2015.
Besides printing, another sector that is undergoing vast transformation and rapid development is the garment making sector. Previously labour-intensive, the garment industry now sees a gamut of solutions utilising artificial intelligence, robotics, vision systems and other advanced automation.
Besides, ITMA 2019 will demonstrate the ‘inventive DNA’ of Switzerland’s machinery producers For textile machinery manufacturers and their customers, ITMA is the ‘greatest show on earth’ – attracting huge numbers of delegates eager to discover the latest technology trends and the newest machinery developments.
The 2019 edition of this four-yearly event takes place in Barcelona in June, and there will again be a strong presence of Swiss textile machinery companies, whose participation at any ITMA is always the focus of enormous visitor interest. The majority of the 63 exhibitors from Switzerland at ITMA 2019 will attend under the organisation of their national representative body, the Swiss Textile Machinery Association (Swissmem), whose President, Ernesto Maurer, promises an exciting and dynamic showcase of genuine innovation, “Swiss machinery manufacturers always provide some of the headline presentations at the big exhibitions,” he says.
“Barcelona this year will be no exception, as our members will certainly demonstrate the power of Swiss innovation, a tradition rooted in our national DNA across numerous ground-breaking inventions in textiles and the wider world.” At ITMA every major sector along the textile value chain will be covered by Swiss exhibits, ranging from fibre and yarn manufacturing through knitting, weaving, nonwovens, dyeing and finishing. In many of these disciplines, such as textile testing and quality control and yarn spinning, Swiss firms lead the world. Tradition provides the essential background to the Swiss innovative spirit, but progress today sees companies which are in the forefront of modern and future trends in areas such as digitalisation, sustainability and energy efficiency, with data handling and interpretation underpinning practically every aspect of their work.
As the textile and garment industry trends towards an integrated manufacturing value chain, many new-to-ITMA solutions providers have been attracted to take part in ITMA 2019; some of them have chosen to co-locate their booths with their industry partners to offer integrated solutions to buyers. Among the new applicants are Borsoi, Bullmer, Card Clothing & Services, Han’s Yueming Laser, Juki, Serkon Tekstil and SoftWear Automation. Successful ITMA 2019 applicants will be receiving their certificate of admission and details of their booth space this month. The show will now occupy all nine exhibition halls at Fira de Barcelona, Gran Via venue. As a result of the expansion, changes have been made to the sector allocation plan.
ITMA 2019 forums draw strong industry support
ITMA 2019, will be complemented by several key forums, two of which are the ITMA-EDANA Nonwovens Forum and Textile Colourant and Chemical Leaders Forum. Fritz Mayer, President of CEMATEX, said: “As technological developments are happening at breakneck speed, and collaboration is becoming increasingly necessary in a globalised economy, the industry has to stay abreast of the latest developments and trends. Hence, ITMA will be staging several forums to help participants be ahead of the competition curve.
The forums also offer a valuable platform for various associations and professionals to connect and network with the right players. This is especially important as collaboration and partnerships from research institutions to technology, chemical and raw material providers and users are increasingly more critical to business success.”
ITMA-EDANA Nonwovens Forum: The Nonwovens Forum is jointly organised by ITMA and EDANA. To be held on 21 June 2019, it will highlight the latest innovations in nonwovens. The theme of the forum is ‘Nonwovens Manufacturing Processes for the 21st Century: More Flexible, More Efficient, More Sustainable’. Providing the latest industry insights will be keynote speaker David Allan, Editor, Nonwovens, RISI (United States). His presentation is titled ‘Global Trends in Nonwoven Processes under Economic and Sustainability Constraints’. The forum will feature three sessions:
• Circular economy/challenges & opportunities for processing bio-based & recycled materials on nonwovens machinery
• Latest trends and innovation in nonwoven processes – including hybrids and composites
• Innovations in nonwovens technology.
In addition, there will be a panel discussion with experts from leading centres of excellence in nonwovens who will exchange their views on the nonwoven processes of the 2030s.
Textile Colourant and Chemical Leaders Forum: The 3rd Textile Colourant and Chemical Leaders Forum @ ITMA 2019 on 23 June will focus on the circular economy and resource sustainability strategy and how innovation will drive future industry success. Launched at ITMA 2011, the forum, is an industry initiative that draws lively participation from dyestuff, colour and chemical professionals from around the world. Themed ‘Meeting Resource Challenges in the Circular Economy’, the 2019 forum explores how textile chemicals and innovative and cleaner technologies can help create a more sustainable future for the textile and garment industry. Presentations at the forum are clustered into three sessions:
• Resource management and Industry 4.0
• Responding to sustainability challenges with innovation
• Envisioning the future of the colourant and chemical industry
Chairing the forum is Andrew Filarowski, Technical Director of Society of Dyers and Colourists.
Speakers confirmed for the forum include Christina Raab, Global Implementation Director of The ZDHC Foundation. She will speak on the role of chemistry for circularity in textile, leather and fibre production. She will also elaborate on ZDHC’s approach and tools to drive the transition and uptake of safer and more circular chemistry, as well as the current state and findings of circular implementation projects from the sector.
Another speaker is Dunja Drmac, Sustainability Officer of the European Apparel and Textile Confederation (EURATEX). Her presentation will enlighten participants on resource sustainability and relevant strategies in the journey towards a circular economy.
In addition to the forums, other knowledge sharing activities include the ITMA Innovation Lab. An important element of the lab is the ITMA Speakers Platform where all ITMA exhibitors have been invited to participate.
ITMA 2019 – TECHNOLOGY PREVIEW
In next few pages we are covering some of the latest printing, testing, CAD/CAM, chemical, material handling, inks, softwares, embroidery, spare parts, finishing etc. technologies that will be on display during the show. In the next edition of Apparel Views, we will be covering remaining technologies alongwith ITMA post show report…
SPGPrints to display new textile printing machines
SPGPrints is set to display new, innovative textile printing machinery at ITMA 2019, in hall 3, stand B203. SPGPrints, headquartered in Netherlands, is the global leading provider of integrated solutions for textile, label, and industrial markets.
For printing companies who are ready to embark on a digital textile printing journey, a visit to ITMA Barcelona 2019 will definitely be worthwhile. SPGPrints will be giving live demonstrations of its second generation Pike single-pass digital textile printing machine printing on viscose fabric with reactive inks. Based on the Pike’s established image quality performance combining the industry’s highest resolution of 1200 dpi with the smallest droplets and lowest ink consumption, visitors at ITMA can see the new Pike printing at considerably higher speeds than before while producing the best deep black blotches ever created in the industry, the company said.
Also, from the established Javelin multi-pass printing machine, a second generation will be showcased at ITMA 2019. Besides the extension with an acid and a direct sublimation application, this new Javelin will have additional functionality that boosts both the top printing speed as well as the average speed to print every design, resulting in a higher print capacity per day or month.
Visitors wanting to learn more about the company’s world-renowned consumables can visit the unique Experience Centre at their stand. In the Digital Ink Experience Centre, SPGPrints will take the visitors behind the scenes of the development and production of their high-quality digital inks and launch two new versions of their deep black ultra HD in the Nebula reactive ink series for Kyocera print heads.
In terms of conventional printing systems, SPGPrints will take the opportunity to showcase its latest generation of the nine colour Pegasus EVO rotary screen printing machine at ITMA 2019. Visitors can learn about the innovative construction and technology and learn how both the Pegasus EVO as well as their RD8 rotary screen printing machines can help them enhance their printing process. The company will be launching two of its latest, most innovative screen technologies, the new Ortascreen and the new Randomscreen Eco, at the Screens Experience Centre at ITMA 2019.
In the Screens Experience Centre, visitors can learn more about which screen type helps them create the best output. At the Screens Experience Centre, SPGPrints will give the opportunity to actually see, hear, and experience why their rotary screens are unique in its kind and the visitors can see and touch its high-quality output.
High-quality printing output starts with selecting the excellent screens. But a good screen is useless when it’s engraved in a bad way. The BestLEN direct laser engraving machine is the benchmark equipment for engraving high-quality screens for textile printing process. At ITMA 2019, visitors will be able to see the BestLEN direct laser engraving machine and learn about the different engraving techniques.
With hundreds of BestLEN engravers currently being operated, the direct laser engraving machine helps printing companies worldwide to produce a consistent level of high-quality screens with minimum interference of their operators. Since the BestLEN has a dry process, a minimum amount of water is used and the engraving process is very short, while human interference is brought back to a minimum.
Mimaki presents printing machine and pre & post treatmnet machines
Mimaki is a leading manufacturer of wide-format inkjet printers and cutting machines for the sign/graphics, industrial and textile/apparel markets. Mimaki develops the complete product range for each group; hardware, software and the associated consumable items, such as inks and cutting blades. The company excels in offering innovative, high quality and high reliability products, based upon its aqueous, latex, solvent and UV-curable inkjet technology. In order to meet a wide range of applications in the market, Mimaki pursues the development of advanced on-demand digital printing solutions. Mimaki Engineering Co. Ltd., Nagano (Japan), is publicly listed on the Tokyo Stock Exchange, Inc. Mimaki Europe will be showcasing the Tiger-1800B MkII and the TR Series at ITMA 2019, Hall 3, Stand B110.
TR series Rimslow Series – A complete line of textile pre-treatment and post-treatment machines
With this one-stop solution for coating, printing, steaming and washing machines, companies in the textile industry now have complete control over their production process. Customers have a single point of contact for all support for their textile production process, allowing them to save a lot of time, effort and money. This is how you really make use of all the advantages of digital textile printing.
• Choose the set that benefits you the most
• Ink and corresponding pre-treatment machine for consistent results
• Colouring test before the production run
• One-stop source for your textile production
Belt-Type Inkjet Printer High Speed range Model – Tiger-1800B MkII
• Selectable print mode to suit the production (from high-speed to high-quality)
– Maximum print speeds of up to 385 m2/h in high-speed mode.
– For the realization of higher quality of print, 1,200 dpi print mode is added and the multi-pass is applied
• Mimaki Advanced Pass System (MAPS) delivers stable high-quality printing
• Droplet print mode selection suitable for print data: Depending on ink type and
printing mode, there are 4 different droplet sizes. Droplet print mode can be choose to match the print data from high speed and standard mode
• Nozzle recovery system (NRS): Consecutive operating solution to maintains the productivity (* NRS is to be applied from December 2018.)
• Stable and reliable mechanism secures high-speed printing
– Stable textile transportation mechanism (Twin pressure roller shafts, Jam sensor, Wrinkle sensor)
– Degassing module and ink circulation mechanism maintain optimum ink conditions
– Automatic wiper cleaning
• Extensive optional units for accommodating various applications: Extensive lineup of optional devices to be selected according to the type and status of fabric and transfer paper, including the storage after printing
• Large-sized ink tank (10 kg) ensures cost-effective print operation: The bulk ink supply enables effective long-hour printing while reducing the operational cost
• High-performance software RIP “TxLink3 Standard”: The TxLink3 Standard offers simple RGB and CMYK color replacement on raster and vector data, as well as the ability to produce different colour patterns. Moreover, various colour replacement functions can represent desired colours
Kornit presents Single-Step Industrial Solution for Digital Direct-to-Fabric Printing
The innovative technology addresses the growing need for on-demand textile design and production Kornit Digital, a global market leader in digital textile printing innovation, has announced the introduction of the new Kornit Presto, the only industrial single-step solution for direct-to-fabric printing. The Kornit Presto solution eliminates the need for pre and post treatment of fabric and allows for high quality printing on an extraordinarily broad variety of fabric types and applications. The Kornit Presto does not consume water in the printing process, making it the most environmentally friendly solution available for direct-to-fabric textile printing today.
The new Kornit Presto comes with the ground-breaking Neo Pigment Robusto, the best Pigment-based ink available in the industry. Implemented into the renowned Kornit Neo PigmentTM process, the Robusto provides above industry standard wash and rub results and exceptional colour fastness across a wide fabric and application range. The Robusto enjoys faster physical and chemical bonding characteristics, enabling a significantly shorter curing time, while providing industry-leading quality and a wide colour gamut. The Neo Pigment Robusto ink was developed with sustainability priorities and is Eco Passport and GOTS V5 approved.
The Kornit Presto solution suits a wide range of business and application needs in a variety of industry segments, including fast growing segments within the ondemand fashion and home décor markets. It is a highly productive solution, available in multiple configurations and able to print 450 sq mtr per hour.
Gart Davis, CEO at Spoonflower, the world’s first web-based service for custom, on-demand fabric and design creation and a long-time Kornit customer, commented, “We were thrilled to be able to test the new system and found the Presto to be in a class by itself; it prints beautifully on all kinds of fabrics, in a single-step, with an environmentally friendly dry process, and now at a multiple of productivity. Its partnership with Kornit continues to be fundamental to its mission to make custom fabric accessible to designers, creative individuals and small businesses all over the world. We can’t wait to get going.”
Kerry King, Senior Vice President of R&D at Spoonflower, added, “The unique integration of the pre-treatment step into the printing process enables a level of efficiency that’s key to our web-to-print business.”
Omer Kulka, Kornit’s VP of Marketing and Product Strategy, also commented, “Kornit is on a mission to reinvent the textile printing industry with gamechanging sustainable technologies for growing market segments. It continues to see demand growth for on-demand production in fashion and home décor. This revolutionary technology is further proof of Kornit’s commitment to address the textile industry’s most urgent needs.”
Epson to display latest digital textile printing innovations
The Japanese company, together with its For.Tex. and F.lli Robustelli subsidiaries, will display the latest digital textile printing innovations and trends at ITMA – the key world exhibition dedicated to digital textile printing. The Japanese pioneer in digital textile printing technology Epson, with its For.Tex and F.lli Robustelli subsidiaries, will display (at Hall 3 – Stand C210) the latest innovations and solutions for the textile market. For.Tex provides dyes, thickeners and products for pre/post treatment of fabrics and F.lli Robustelli is a leading company in the engineering and production of textile printers.
ITMA 2019 will be an opportunity for Epson to show its unique Total Solution, a turnkey, integrated system for the textile printing world. Total Solution helps operators seize digital textile market opportunities. The all-inclusive textile digital printing system features Precision Core printheads which are a state-of-the art textile printing technology. Genesta inks have been developed to offer their maximum results using Epson technology and fabric treatment expertise. This system finds its maximum expression in Monna Lisa series, the successful range of industrial printers and a reference for the high-quality textile printing sector.
At the stand, you will experience state-of- the-art Epson technology for direct to fabric printing and for the sublimation printing. “Our ITMA 2019 presence confirms Epson’s commitment to the continuous high-quality ink and printer development,” states Paolo Crespi, Direct to Fabric Sales & Marketing Director EMEAR & Americas. “Our goal is to become an indispensable technological partner in the high-quality textile printing sector. This includes the DTF market, we developed by launching Monna Lisa together with our partners of excellence F.lli Robustelli and For.Tex. The sublimation solutions where Epson is recognised in every market segment, is part of our complete offer for the printing sector.”
Focus sustainability
The sustainability issue is a focus for market consumers and operators in the textile industry as well as for ITMA, “Innovation for industry sustainability.” Inkjet printing is a sustainable alternative to traditional printing. The advantages are not only financial and organisational but also ecological. Today’s fashion industry is increasingly sensitive to sustainability issues and is finding in digital textile printing a powerful ally, so that an increasing amount of fabrics are printed using this technology.
Sensient highlighting new water-based sublimation ink
Sensient Imaging Technologies, a subsidiary of Sensient Technologies Corporation, will demonstrate its commitment to a safer and more sustainable future for the textiles industry with its range of digital inkjet technology at stand H3-C107 during ITMA 2019. Sensient will be highlighting its new water-based sublimation ink ElvaJet Coral at ITMA, which has been developed to reduce water usage, without compromising on quality or colour. Vast amounts of energy and water are used during the production of textiles, and with the industry under pressure to improve its environmental credentials, there is a growing demand for solutions that help manufacturers and brands reduce the water footprint of their processes and products.
The latest addition to Sensient’s portfolio of sublimation inks, ElvaJet Coral, is a high-performance ink for direct printing onto polyester fabrics commonly used in sport and apparel applications. ElvaJet Coral offers an environmentally low impact solution for textiles by printing directly onto the substrate, removing the waste from transfer paper and residual ink.
Tests have shown that the ink can reduce CO2 emissions by up to 90 per cent, and overall energy use by up to 60 per cent. When it comes to reducing water usage, ElvaJet Coral requires just 1 liter of water compared to the 50 liters required for direct disperse printing.
Sensient’s dispersion technology was harnessed during the development of the ink to deliver improvements in colour, sharpness, stability and performance. ElvaJet Coral has been formulated to include colour-free materials to remove the risk of staining when wet. The ink also demonstrates excellent stability over long production runs, minimal maintenance and an increased open time of more than an hour, helping to streamline the production process and eliminate downtime. Other water-based inks including Xennia Amethyst, Xennia Agate and ElvaJet Opal will also be featured at the show.
“With our expert understanding of the chemistry of colour, the textiles industry can trust Sensient to deliver digital inkjet solutions that are environmentally responsible, high-performance, safe, protect the integrity of their brand and ultimately add value to their business,” said Jérôme Jeanneret, Managing Director at Sensient Imaging Technologies. “Having listened to the needs of our customers, our latest inks have been developed to address the need to reduce the use of chemicals, energy and water in the textiles printing process.”
Xaar to introduce 5601 Printhead
Xaar, a world-leader in industrial inkjet printing, will introduce the Xaar 5601 printhead to the textiles market at ITMA 2019. Displaying on stand C205 in Hall H3 as part of Xaar’s range of printhead solutions for the textile sector, together with a variety of stunning textile samples, the Xaar 5601 will also be incorporated in a technology demonstration on the stand of a leading digital textile printer manufacturer.
The Xaar 5601, with 5680 nozzles, sets new standards in digital textile printing with its market-leading print quality and productivity – up to 80 linear mtr of textiles can be printed per minute. Exceptional colour uniformity and repeatability are ensured through Xaar’s AcuDrp Technology alongside tight colour-tocolour registration, thanks to the Xaar 5601’s unique Z-profile. Unparalleled usability is also provided with a number of alignment features that enable quick and easy Plug & Print installation with no mechanical adjustment required. Xaar’s TF Technology ink recirculation further minimises any downtime whilst optimising print quality. The Xaar 1201 printhead will also be on display. Its high print quality, compact design and ability to jet 1, 2 or 4 colours makes it a versatile option for a wide range of small and midrange scanning textile applications.
Jason Remnant, Head of Product Management says, “As the leading textile and garment technology show ITMA 2019 is the ideal forum in which to introduce the Xaar 5601 and our range of printheads for the textiles sector. We are extremely excited to be working with a leading OEM in the textiles market who will soon be making their announcement. I look forward to visitors to the show being able to see the versatility of Xaar’s printheads for textile printing and learn how they can get ahead and achieve more with Xaar’s technology.”
Homer presents high speed digital belt-conveying printer
Shenzhen HOMER Textile Tech Co., Ltd was established in 2012 and became a wholly-owned subsidiary of Hanglory Group in 2015. A state-level high-tech enterprise, Homer Textile has always been focusing on R&D, manufacturing, sales and service of digital textile printers. The unique Employee Stock Ownership Program has attracted top talents from digital printing and textile industries, enabling us to grow into a company with industry-leading strong capability on research and development, including driver board design, mechanical design, software development and digital printing technologies.
During ITMA’s 7-day exhibition, you will witness the innovative printing technology of 3 digital textile printers, HM1800R, HM3200R and HM1800B—K32. HM1800BK32 is the latest ultra-high-speed digital belt-conveying printer that HOMER Digital will launch at ITMA 2019. Based on the previous digital belt-conveyor printing models, it has made a lot of technological innovation. Below is a brief introduction to the main features of HM1800B-K32.
HM1800B-K32 – Ultra-high-speed digital belt-conveying printer
Highlights:
• Ultra-high-speed belt continuous conveyor, the max. Productivity up to 900m²/h;
• Equipped with Kyocera nozzles for 1-pass high-resolution printing. The max. resolution is 600 x 2400 dpi;
• Industrial wide-format design with a maximum print width of 1900mm, applicable to materials with various sizes;
• Relying on the strong R&D team of Hanglory Group, HOMER has rich experience in the digital printing industry, as well as stable performance in production;
• Equipped with a high-precision belt conveyor system, the data error during the transmission process can be greatly reduced, and the high degree of reproduction of original images can be better realized;
• With strong after-sales service system, HOMER has a world-wide technical support team, offers 24/7 after-sales service for customers.
HM3200R
• Up to 360 m2/hr Printing Speed
• Symmetrical Colour Alignment
• High-strength steel rail beam
• Anti-scratch printhead protection design
• Industrial ink supply system
• Integrated software control system
HM1800R
• Up to 320 m2/hr Printing Speed
• Symmetrical Color Alignment
• High-strength steel rail beam
• Anti-scratch printhead protection design
• Industrial ink supply system
• Integrated software control system
LÄSSER AG presents latest embroidery solutions
In spite of its position as a market leader, LÄSSER AG is not a large company. With 220 employees, the company is still manageable and remains extremely agile and flexible. Numerous renowned references all around the world are evidence of the company’s capabilities. Countless major international embroidery collections bear its signature. Many products that have enjoyed success on the catwalks of international fashion were created on LÄSSER embroidery machines.
Lässer Lsh2 – Schiffli Head 2
The Lässer Schiffli Head 2 is the further development of the world‘s first flat-bed embroidery machine based on Schiffli-embroidery technology – the LÄSSER LSH. By contrast, all of the other existing multi-head machines are built with sewing machine technology. The Lässer LSH 2 machine combines the advantages of a conventional Schiffli embroidery machine with the flexibility of a multi-head machine.
Components
• Servo feed device, thread tension is adjusted according to the design
• LSH cockpit, tailor-made and user-friendly software
• Borer system with 12 different steps for perfect boring holes
• Schiffli technology for excellent embroidery results and huge yarn capacity
• Embroidery head with 5 needles/1 borer or 8 needles/1 borer
• Embroidery head distance: 165 mm, 240 mm, 330 mm
• Embroidery length: 15 yd, 10 yd, 7.2 m, 6.6 m, 5 yd, 3 yd, 2 m, 1.3 m
• Variable flat frame (85 cm – 145 cm) or roll frame (80 cm)
• Manufactured and designed in Switzerland by
MVD71 – The ultimate embroidery machine – The new LÄSSER MVD71 Multi V Drive – one step ahead
In a world of rising competition it is important to counteract with the right kind of tools. The LÄSSER MVD71 MULTI V DRIVE is the ultimate working equipment to be one step ahead in quality and performance.
Lässer features:
• L-Pilot: Sophisticated and customised machine software
• Multi V Drive: The new dimension of running smoothness and precision
• Multi Cam Drives: Highest precision due to synchronised CAM drives needle and shuttle side
• Ergonomics: Ergonomic design which improved the access and control, easy to handle
• V-Cut: Individual thread cut with single clamping device
• STG: The patented LÄSSER single thread guide system
• Main Double Drive: No strain due to the balanced shaft system
• Servo Feed: Thread roller drive with pattern storage
• V-Feed ATC: Individual thread feeding system
• V-Feed MTC: Optional individual thread feeding system
• Frame Drive: Moment optimized drives for highest performance and excellent embroidery quality
• Spanning: Constant fabric tension and flexible fabric fastening
• SSL: the ingenious shuttle stop device
• Folding Shaft Spoon: Optional automatic of opening and closing of the shaft soon
• Auto Set+ Carriage Width: Optional fully automatic carriage width setting
• Auto Set+ Cloth Pressure: Optional adjustment of the cloth pressure distance
• Auto Set+ Shuttle Time: Optional setting of shuttle time / shuttle Position
Twine to launch digital thread dyeing system
Twine Solutions, an Israeli technology start-up, will officially launch its digital thread dyeing system, which dyes raw and off-the-shelf white thread, during live demonstrations at the ITMA 2019 show. Twine’s system digitally dyes white thread from different manufacturers that can be used for a range of applications, such as apparel, activewear, shoes, accessories, home decor, vehicle upholstery and more.
“Our Twine Digital Thread Dyeing system unleashes the power of thread, at the touch of a button. The fastpaced digital transformation of the textiles industry is challenging both for production and its environmental impact. We are excited to bring solutions that will have much needed and crucial economic, social and sustainability benefits,” commented Alon Moshe, Twine CEO and Co-Founder.
Twine will be exhibiting at Hall 3, where visitors will be able to see the systems digitally dyeing various thread types, including Coats thread. The strategic partnership between Twine and Coats was announced last November and will include future capabilities of Twine’s system, to feature inbuilt colour software, integrated with Coats ColourStitch. Coats will also be represented on Twine’s booth at ITMA. “This is yet another step in reinforcing the joint work on the future technology for the textiles industry,” the company says.
Twine will also showcase its digital colour matching mobile application. The SnapMatch application captures an image of a sample using a mobile device and Twine’s proprietary algorithms analyse the colour immediately and accurately, according to the company. The user then sends the captured colour to the TS- 1800 system for immediate thread dyeing in the desired colour.
Twine’s products create a virtual inventory, with any colour and any length needed, reducing stock management, inventory and deadstock costs. Twine’s sustainable digital waterless thread dyeing process is also said to save 70 litres of clean water per 1 kg of dyed thread. The process also reduces waste and emissions. “In many of the industry sectors today up to 50 per cent of dyed thread is disposed of before even being used. Twine’s system dyes exactly the amount you need when you need it, in a highly sustainable process,” the company explains. Twine Solutions was founded in 2015 in Israel by brothers Alon and Erez Moshe. It is based in Petah Tikva, near Tel Aviv, an innovation hub for digital printing.
Groz-Beckert presents product and service innovations
Groz-Beckert will be presenting its product innovations in Hall 8.0, Booth C101. ITMA Europe is held every four years as a meeting point for the sector and is the ideal technology platform for forwardlooking innovations in the textile world. Approximately 1,600 exhibitors from around 50 countries will be presenting their highlights from research and development – including Groz-Beckert.
The company will be present with all six product areas and the Groz-Beckert Academy and the Technology and Development Center (TEZ) will also be represented with their service range spanning across all fields and product areas. While the TEZ will be presenting its wide range of options for problem solving, optimizations and new developments, the Academy will be showing its comprehensive training range. A new feature: The plans for digital expansion of the analog range – to help it remain independent from the event time and location.
Apart from other areas, the sewing product area is presenting various innovations that meet various requirements. Because the variety of materials is immense: From the finest knitted goods to the thickest leather. The process of sewing is faced with different challenges at every turn. To ensure that we have the right product for every situation, Groz-Beckert offers an extensive product range and provides support far beyond the actual sewing process with additional services. Further exciting innovations and new products and services await visitors at the Groz- Beckert booth during the ITMA Europe – live on-site in Barcelona.
Advanced technology in digital cutting automation by Zünd
The textile industry is in the midst of a digital transformation with value chains that are becoming increasingly interconnected. In a digital chain, automated cutting constitutes an important link. At ITMA Zünd presents efficient, high. performance automated cutting workflows with state-of-the art software tools that illustrate the breadth of its digital know-how.
As in so many other industries, digital technology has long since taken hold in the textile industry. Consumers are demanding individualized offerings and flexible solutions, tailor-made clothing and furnishings to measure – all at “off-the-rack” pricing. Design and configuration options are increasingly diverse as manufacturers become more agile and faster to cope with increasing market pressures and ever-shorter product life cycles. To accomplish all this, however, manufacturers need appropriate production processes. At ITMA (Hall 3, Booth B227), Zünd is exhibiting state-of-the-art digital cutting systems with comprehensive production workflows that cover everything from pattern matching to projection-supported removal of cut parts. Integrated, intelligent, digital – from start to finish.
With the Over Cutter Camera OCC and its advanced optical system, cutting patterned and digitally printed fabrics is just as precise and easy as cutting nonprinted or solid-coloured textiles. The OCC captures all register marks at once. If no register marks are available, the Over Cutter Camera can determine the position of the printed image by capturing a corresponding outline that was printed along with it. The system can also automatically detect patterns and any material distortions that may have occurred. When compensating for distortions, the system perfectly maintains dimensional accuracy of the cut parts and their correct position on patterned fabric. Based on reference points, the software also automatically determines the most efficient parts layout and nesting. Cutting, pattern matching, and nesting occur simultaneously to ensure uninterrupted processing. And in a final step, a projection system facilitates the removal of cut parts.
Eton Systems to present future production concept
With more than 5,000 tailored installations for a range of industries installed in over 60 countries, Eton Systems, headquartered in Gånghester, Sweden, has established a reputation as a clear leader in the field of complete material handling systems. At ITMA 2019, the company will be demonstrating a complete installation based on a future production concept, with advanced software providing real-time information covering every aspect of the process.
“Our systems are a natural fit with the major Industry 4.0 networked manufacturing plants that are now being constructed worldwide for sectors such as the garment and home textiles manufacturing and automotive industries,” said Eton’s Sales and Commercial Director Roger Ryrlén. “We have had a very busy last 12 months, with more major projects in the pipeline. We understand, however, that one solution does not fit all situations, which is why we think in terms of custommade solutions matched to specific customer needs. Buying a system from us, is buying a solution and a partnership. Each system includes support, service, training and knowledge built on more than 70 years of experience. When a customer invests in an Eton System the increased efficiency normally results in savings of between 40-60 per cent.”
A typical system consists of overhead conveyors with individually-addressable product carriers which automatically steer their way through programmed operation sequences. They are monitored by a computer providing all the necessary data for optimally measuring and managing processes. The systems are also highly flexible and can be rapidly modified to changes in the production line or the need for expansion.
Options for smart factories Eton’s Flexible Productivity Concept (FPC) is based on two system platforms with a wide range of options, including:
• Multiple rails for sorting at workstations
• Buffering
• Automatic loading devices, pick-ups and work delivery robots
• Bridges and elevators that link systems and floors
• Historical links to products after completion
• Module-based software
• Via an addressable product carrier, an Eton system transports all the components of a complete product through the manufacturing process
“The result is fully automated flow with complete control of every component for the end product — where they have been, where they are now and where they are going,” Ryrlén explains. “These are real Internet of Things installations and every component has its own unique identity due to the integrated transponder in each carrier.”
Eton is a member of TMAS — the textile machinery association of Sweden which will have a significant presence at ITMA 2019 in Barcelona. “Eton Systems is truly embracing the latest Industry 4.0 concepts for fully automated work flows that are now revolutionising the textile industry,” said TMAS Secretary General Therese Premler-Andersson. “There will be many more innovations on show from our members at ITMA 2019.” Eton Systems will be at stand A214, in Hall 2 at the Barcelona exhibition.
X-Rite showcases new colour formulation software
X-Rite Pantone to show colour expertise color iMatch has the unique ability to intelligently process color data to account for dye behavior under current process conditions, helping textile suppliers reduce wasteful dye attempts and support a sustainable manufacturing process.
X-Rite Incorporated and Pantone LLC, global leaders in color science and technology, announce the availability of its latest release of Color iMatch formulation software for the textile industry. The company will showcase the software at ITMA, June 20 – 26 in Barcelona, Spain. Color iMatch accelerates recipe creation for the textile industry through better initial matches and fewer corrections for faster dyeing times, cost savings and reduced waste.
“Today’s apparel and textile manufactures work with a number of natural and synthetic materials as well as a diverse colour palette that can lead to longer colorant recipe creation times and multiple lab dips,” said Richard Knapp, Product Manager, X-Rite and Pantone. “At ITMA, textile suppliers will see how easy it is to access spectral data for a brand’s colour palettes through PantoneLIVE and immediately begin the formulation process in Color iMatch. Attendees will also learn how to dynamically update dye characterizations to significantly improve match performance and meet tight manufacturing deadlines while reducing environmental impact.”
Color match performance in textiles is a function of how accurately dye behaviour in a formula reflects dye behaviour under current conditions and processes. The new release of Color iMatch improves colour matching by addressing this interdependence. It intelligently processes color data to provide optimal initial colour matches and reduce wasteful formulation attempts. With a high return on investment, Color iMatch streamlines complicated textile workflows, improves formulation efficiency, and reduces material waste.
The latest release of Color iMatch offers textile and apparel manufacturers:
• Increases match rate up to 50 per cent and cuts correction steps by more accurately identifying likely dye combinations and accounting for current process conditions
• Ability to dynamically update dye characterizations to maintain dye behaviour, which may shift over time due to variations in ambient conditions, procedures, equipment or materials
• New matching technology to gain insights from historical data and optimize the formulation process
• Fully-integrated Colorant Editor for improved database performance by providing specific guidance that guarantees match prediction confidence
• Digital specification of Pantone standards, including Pantone Fashion, Home + Interiors System for cotton and nylon, through PantoneLIVE™, which provides the official spectral values for Pantone standards
• Easy transition between jobs by applying dynamic Formulation Rules that include process, material and customer specifications
• A gamut viewer to visually evaluate achievability by offering a unique target overlay to help lab professionals make educated formulation decisions
Color iMatch is compatible with current and future Microsoft Operating Systems and offers support for X-Rite and non-X-Rite instruments.
Atlas displays its latest colour fastness instruments
For more than 100 years, Atlas has been a leader in materials durability testing, offering a complete line of weathering testing instrumentation, laboratory, and outdoor testing services. Atlas products are designed and manufactured to conform to international and industry standard test methods, including ISO, ASTM, DIN, JIS and numerous others. Markets include automotive, paint and coatings, plastics and additives, textiles, pharmaceutical and consumer products, architecture, aerospace, photovoltaics, and packaging.
Atlas is a business unit of AMETEK Measurement, Communications & Testing, a Division within AMETEK’s Electronic Instruments Group, a recognized leader in advanced monitoring, testing, calibrating and display instruments. AMETEK, Inc. is a global leader in electronic instruments and electromechanical devices. Atlas Material Testing Solutions, a global leader in accelerated light fastness testing equipment for the textile industry, will showcase its Ci3000+ and Xenotest® 440 instruments at ITMA 2019.
The Ci3000+ is recognized as the standard instrument globally for textile testing. With its advanced digital control system and optical technologies, the Ci3000+ delivers exceptionally precise and reliable control of all test parameters to accurately predict service life. The two-tier rack option provides a 50 per cent increase in capacity and a large graphic user interface allows for intuitive operation. It meets all primary internationally recognized standards for textile lightfastness, including AATCC, ISO, Marks & Spencer, and GB/T.
The Xenotest 440 sets the standard in economical, mid-sized, air-cooled xenon devices, with an array of options to meet global weathering and light fastness testing requirements. Combining a highly efficient design – including ultrasonic humidifiers to reduce water consumption – and XenoLogic™ twin-lamp technology, which enables high irradiance levels to significantly reduce test times. It is ideal for meeting common lightfastness standards such as ISO 105-B02, AATCC TM 16.3 and ASTM G155.
SDL Atlas to display newly redesigned instruments
During the show, SDL Atlas will display a variety of newly redesigned instruments, Vortex M6, Martindale, Autoburst and Launder-Ometer® along with their new line of high quality SDL Atlas Test Materials and RemoteAccess, a revolutionary remote instrument monitoring app for tracking real-time testing progress of instruments anytime, anywhere, on the go that works with both iOS and Android platforms.
On display for the first time, the newly redesigned Vortex M6 is now updated with a variety of features designed to increase efficiency and the user experience. The Martindale now features individual station lighting that gives a notification flash of the relevant station along with a beep to indicate the end of a test. The Autoburst is reengineered from the bottom up to provide unmatched performance for hydraulic burst testing for heavy duty samples. Some of the new features include station lighting, full-colour touchscreen control and the flexibility to operate as either a stand-alone instrument or paired with a computer.
The Launder-Ometer has also received a complete redesign adding a full-colour touch screen pre-loaded with standard tests and muti-language interface. It has an automatic door that opens and closes with the press of a button. Sensors automatically stop the rotor from turning when the door opens.
SDL Atlas is committed to providing customers confidence in standard based testing. With offices and experts in the United States, United Kingdom, Hong Kong and China, plus agents serving over 100 countries, SDL Atlas is ready to support its customers with instruments, test materials and services anywhere in the world.
Latest innovations in textile finishing from CIBITEX
Established in 1975, Cibitex srl is a highly specialised Italy-based manufacturer of textile finishing machinery, providing state-of-the-art consulting, pre and post-sales services. Cibitex designs its own products and select the best raw materials and components, with efficiency, reliability and ease of use. It spends all its efforts to be a sustainable company, it manufactures efficient technologies that reduces power consumption and allows environment and save money. During ITMA 2019, you will find two different Cibitex stands, so you will be able to see the latest innovations in its range of textile finishing machinery.
• In the Hall 1 it will show you the latest version of the singeing unit, with increased singeing power. Furthermore, there will be the possibility to see the potential of an integrated software system installed on its machines.
• In the Hall 3 the company will be proud to show the extraordinary quality of the compact and modular systems for pre-and post-treatment of inkjet printed fabrics.
All machines completely designed and manufactured in Italy according to the highest quality standards
Kornit Discover Event – Highlights business opportunities in digital textile transformation
Kornit Digital, a global market leader in digital textile printing technology, has successfully concluded the Kornit Discover Event in Hong Kong. Kornit Discover Asia Pacific was a three-day event, which began on April 15, 2019 at Kornit’s Experience Center located in Hong Kong. An estimated 100 guests have joined and shared the excitement of the company unveiling the Kornit Avalanche Poly Pro as well as reviewing the latest product line-up from Kornit. The guests also enjoyed the privilege of a sneak preview of the company’s yet-to-be-launched next generation direct-to-fabric solution, the Kornit Presto.
The event was kick-started by a welcome speech and overview of market trends by Gilad Yron, Executive Vice President Global Business of Kornit Digital followed by a presentation from the event’s keynote speaker, Ron Gilboa, Group Director of Production Technology, Key point Intelligence. In Gilboa’s presentation, he discussed the changing dynamics of the apparel industry and shared some trends that were favourable to digital textile printing. He further analyzed different suppliers and demands in the market; and concluded that selecting the right supplier was critical for success.
Kornit’s latest technology & innovation was presented by Omer Kulka, Vice President of Marketing & Product Strategy from Kornit’s headquarters. On top of the features and advantages of the two latest products, he deep-dived into the innovation and R&D capabilities of Kornit. In addition, he introduced the ecosystem that has been built around Kornit’s digital printing systems. These were the reasons why Kornit was able to stay ahead of its competitors.
Experts from different areas were invited to present at the event. On April 15, Jane Singer, Director of Inside Fashion Magazine, discussed the topic “Tech vs. Fashion – Becoming Faster, More Flexible and More Creative,” sharing how the fashion industry was affected and at the same time progressed by the technology advancement. On April 16, Bruce Li, CEO of www.zigeer.com, discussed the importance of content creation and customer engagement in E-Commerce. On April 17, Martin Tsang, Business Development Manager of Pantone, introduced the new extension to Pantone Fashion, Home and Interiors Collection.
Unveiling the Kornit Avalanche Poly Pro, Executive Vice President of Global Business at Kornit Digital, Gilad Yron, shared his enthusiasm about the expansion of the Kornit product line, stating: “Today, we celebrate a breakthrough technological innovation. Polyester is the second largest category in the overall T-shirt market, and it is growing in the athleisure and functional apparel. Currently, polyester is printed predominantly by analog solutions, which creates major technological, cost and sustainability challenges. The new ground-breaking Kornit NeoPoly Technology addresses these challenges with a new process and ink set implemented in the renowned Kornit NeoPigment™ process. Kornit’s new process handles polyester applications without compromising on design, run size, substrate or labour. This is a huge leap forward, not only for Kornit, but also for the direct-togarment industry as a whole.”
The event also provided a tour of Kornit’s Hong Kong Experience Center as well as several hands-on sessions for the visitors to experience the printing technology of Kornit. The guests were organised in small groups and had the opportunity to participate in hands-on workshops with Kornit Atlas, Kornit Avalanche Poly Pro, Kornit Avalanche HD6, Kornit Storm HD6, and Kornit Presto. The event was ended with success stories from Kornit customers from China (Macy Yau, CEO of Kanetop Group), Japan (Toshihiro Tanaka, General Manager of Operation Center, and Yusuke Masuda, Chief of Preprocessing Group from Retail Net Co., Ltd.) and Australia (Jared Fullinfaw, Founder & Managing Director of The Print Bar). Guests found the event educational, practical and inspirational.
Andy Yarrow, Kornit’s President for Asia Pacific, spoke in a media group briefing, highlighting the amazing growth opportunities in the region. “We are looking to expand the business in new segments that include brands and private labels, promotional printing, and more. We introduce new technologies and capabilities, like polyester printing which will for sure shake the market with a solution that answers a lot of the printing problems, same with Atlas speed and HD technology launched earlier this year. The digital textile printing revolution is set to transform one of the most exciting regions in the world. We’re excited to bring advanced and innovative solutions that will make life better for businesses and end the customers in the area.”
Kornit Avalanche Poly Pro
The long-awaited dark polyester solution, Kornit Avalanche Poly Pro, features an innovative ink set and a physical and chemical process specifically developed for low temperature curing, and polyester enhancing functionalities developed to maintain fabric characteristics and provide superior fastness. This unique process prevents dye migration on polyester. The inks are Oeko-Tex and Eco-Passport certified and do not contain PVCs or other toxic ingredients. The single-step Poly Pro is the perfect system for the industry, enabling easy and cost effective shortruns and on-demand printing on polyester garments.
Kornit Atlas
The Kornit Atlas is a heavy-duty system created for super-industrial garment decoration businesses. It was designed to deliver a typical annual production capacity of up to 350,000 impressions, optimizing production efficiency and cost of ownership. The Kornit Atlas is aimed at highly productive garment decorators, mid to large size screen printers and innovative businesses looking to combine state-of-the art technology with lowest cost of ownership. The system is equipped with new recirculating print heads and comes with a newly developed ink, NeoPigment™ Eco-Rapid. The Kornit Atlas is equipped with a unique printing engine, featuring an enhanced version of Kornit’s HD technology, complemented by a professional RIP (raster image processing) software solution, and produces prints that meet the highest standards of retail quality and durability.
Kornit HD line of industrial direct-to-garment printers
Kornit’s HD systems, now comprising the Kornit Atlas (highlighted in above paragraph), Kornit Avalanche HD6, Kornit Avalanche HDK and Kornit Storm HD6, enable new levels of print quality, well suitable for the fashion and retail markets. Kornit’s NeoPigment™ Rapid ink, specifically developed for Kornit’s HD technology, offers an improved hand feel, as well as increased opacity and saturation of white ink. The print quality is further enhanced by ColorGate’s Professional RIP solution, adding advanced color management and screening capabilities, improved white base creation and pre-defined colour libraries for ultimate colour matching.
Kornit Presto
Kornit’s next-generation direct-to-fabric printing system is an environmentallyfriendly, all-in-one solution for roll-to-roll printing. Benefitting from its unique and advanced technology, Kornit’s direct-to-fabric printing system eliminates the need for external process steps and enables users to achieve the best results from PFP (Prepared-For-Print) to finished digitally printed fabric in just minutes.
FESPA Global Print Expo 2019 New possibilities across speciality print come to life
Thousands of visitors travelled to the Bavarian capital from 14 to 17 May 2019 to attend FESPA 2019 to see the latest innovations from more than 700 exhibitors who highlighted technologies and consumables for digital wide format, screen printing, textile printing and garment decoration and non-printed signage. Visitors to FESPA Global Print Expo 2019 also had free access to European Sign Expo, the dedicated event for non-printed signage and visual communications. Visitors to European Sign Expo discovered the latest products from over 100 exhibitors showcasing solutions for channel lettering, illuminated signage, neon and LED, sign systems, engraving and etching and dimensional signage.
FESPA Global Print Expo is established as the sector’s leading platform for launching innovations and a number of exhibitors already confirmed plans to introduce new products at the 2019 event. Announcements made to date include HP’s first products for textile printing with the new Stitch S series of dyesublimation printers, and swissQprint’s first roll-to-roll printer, Karibu.
Colour L*A*B*
FESPA’s newest visitor feature, Colour L*A*B*, helped visitors to improve colour management practices in their print businesses. The interactive showcase offered visitors an end-to-end overview of the individual elements that contributed to good colour management, including technologies from suppliers including Barbieri, CMA Imaging, EFI, Eizo, HP, Just Normlicht, Pantone, Techkon and X-Rite. Visitors to Colour L*A*B* also attended daily expert conference sessions and joined guided tours by Paul Sherfield, Laurel Brunner and Paul Lindström, providing more detail on the technology on show.
Printeriors
Printeriors, FESPA’s interior décor showcase, highlighted the opportunities of print for interior décor. Within the feature, visitors discovered applications from a range of suppliers including: Adobe, Canon, Mad Chair, Mimaki, Mitwill Textiles, Off the wall coverings, Printfab, Rex Frame and many more. For the first time in 2019, Printeriors also featured exterior décor applications displayed in the outside hospitality areas of the Messe, showcasing the extensive scope of printed decoration.
Technologies and applications
Print service providers (PSPs) and sign-makers gathered once again in Munich to experience a wide variety of print technologies, consumables and materials from both leading brands and smaller businesses.
Textile Print
With Print Make Wear one of the key features at this year’s Global Print Expo, textile was talking point at the event, counting over 160 exhibitors showing textile solutions. First time exhibitor Omniprint used FESPA 2019 as a platform for displaying its range of direct-to-garment (DTG) printing technologies, including its latest system, the Cheetah Industrial DTG. With quality prints up to 1800dpi, the Cheetah is one of the fastest industrial DTG printers on the market, boasting high print quality and compatibility with a wide range of materials, including 100 per cent polyester and cotton/poly blends.
Digital sublimation and direct-to-textile printers were also a key feature on the Mutoh stand. Visitors were able to see first-hand the high speed ValueJet 1948WX digital dye-sublimation printer, with print speeds ranging from 125 m²/h to 195 m²/h. The system is ideal for businesses looking for a printer capable of handling high volumes and intensive use.
Screen print
SPS Techno Screen introduced the new SPS ASTRON QX, a full servo-driven cylinder machine designed for high-end industrial screen printing applications. The key features of the new system reflected the gradual introduction of camera control and registration systems that’s been taking place in the screen printing industry for the past decade. The SPS ASTRON QX series can be equipped with a camera registration system that matches the image position within the screen frame to the image position on each individual sheet. It is available for a maximum sheet size of 550 x 800 mm and features a single sheet front-pick-up feeder.
Workflow and Colour Management
As a developer of software applications for sign-making, screen printing, garment decorating and digital printing, CADLink is promoting the latest version of its Digital Factory OKI™ Edition RIP software, which enables users to manage their print workflows more efficiently. The latest build of the software includes newly engineered custom printer drivers, along with modified colour profiles, supporting a wider variety of printers than ever before. The new driver architecture optimises RIP and print speeds, reducing job processing times by up to 2-3 times while also providing incredibly vibrant colours, including rich black reproduction.
The Epson Edge Print software for its S-series and F-series printers was a highlight on the Epson stand. The software supports Epson’s Precision Dot technology, including its halftone module, look-up tables and micro-weave combining to make an instantly noticeable difference to the final print quality.
Sustainability
As more print technology providers continue to embrace greener practices, Brand Management Group, the official partner of HP Large Format Media, placed special focus on HP’s latest sustainable solution for printed canvases, a huge market segment in the wide format print industry. HP’s Recycled Satin Canvas performs similarly to other digitally printable wide format canvases on the market, except it is made from 100 per cent recycled water bottles. One of only a few sustainable options available to designers today, the canvases can be used for residential and commercial décor.
Roz Guarnori, Exhibitions Director at FESPA, comments: “The best feedback we’ve received from our visitors in the past is that they learn something new at every FESPA event and we are confident that they will once again be inspired by what’s on show. FESPA is known as a platform for product launches and innovation, and we’ll be expecting more announcements from our exhibitors before the beginning of the event.”
Highlights from Print Make Wear microfactory
The products highlighted within Print Make Wear were provided by 19 exhibitors and presented within two separate tours, one focused on roll-to-roll technologies and the second on garment decoration. The technology demonstrations were supported by a programme of talks and catwalks to enhance the visitor experience.
Roll-to-roll technologies
The roll-to-roll tour was split into two separate workflows, one on pigment printing and the other on dye-sublimation printing. The pigment printing workflow route included:
• Design software from Adobe Textile Designer and EFI Fiery DesignPro with Adobe CS • Fabrics provided by Premier Textiles • EFI Optitex pattern design and marker making • Pre-press production files from EFI Fiery • RIP and pigment printing inks from Mimaki • A Klieverik dryer • Cutting solution from Gemini
The dye-sublimation printing workflow included:
• Adobe Textile Designer design software • Fabrics provided by Premier Textiles • A selection of transfer paper from CANAPA • Gemini will supply its product design and decoration software, Gemini CAD pre-press production files and a cutting solution • RIP and dye-sublimation inks from HP • Klieverik heat transfer machine
Running alongside the roll-to-roll tour were the garment decoration tour, which included digital printing technologies as well as automatic and manual screen printing solutions. The exhibitors on the garment decoration tour included: • Grafco colour separation technology and inks for the Vastex manual screen printing press • Fair Trade fabric garments provided by Neutral • A Chiossi e Cavazzuti dryer • Folding and packaging system by Thermotron • Easiway screen reclamation • An MHM automatic screen printing press • Magna Colours’ inks for the automatic screen printing press • A manual screen printing carousel from Vastex and a Vastex Little Red dryer • A Tesoma tunner dryer will be used for the automatic screen printing
Fireside Chats’
Print Make Wear also featured daily ‘fireside chats’ where visitors heard from experts on key industry topics including:
• The Micro Factory and Customisation, moderated by Jenny Holloway from Fashion Capital and including speakers from EFI, Mimaki, HP and Gemini
• Sustainability and Efficient Manufacturing, hosted by Elissa Decker of Moss Inc., and Lars Bech, CEO of Neutral, featuring speakers from Premier Textiles and Magna Colours
• Automating the production workflow, comprising speakers from Gemini, EFI and HP
• Designing for digital print and colour management, to include speakers from Adobe, AVA and EFI
Sustainability was the key theme at FESPA 2019 this year and FESPA champion a number of initiatives within the Print Make Wear featured to be more environmentally responsible. The garments used for the direct-to-garment textiles were provided by Neutral, a market-leading producer of sustainable apparel and accessories to the B2B market, which usds FairTrade cotton and have been awarded the EU Ecolabel for meeting high environmental standards. Water-based inks from Magna Colour were also used on the automatic screen printing press.
Graeme Richardson-Locke, Technical Support Manager at FESPA, commented, “Over the years FESPA’s commitment to textile printing and garment decoration has developed and we’ve considerably expanded visitor proposition in this area in line with growing industry demand. For Print Make Wear 2019, we have put together a programme that represents the different facets of the garment manufacturing community and are confident that this will help garment manufacturers understand the range of technologies at their disposal.”
Also announced at were the winners of the three following categories:
The Young Star Award, was presented to design student, Antonio Tsigonias, of T.E.I. Athens, Department of Graphic Arts Technology in Greece for his entry titled “Garden Team”. The Young Star Award is marked across all print related categories and open to entrants aged between 16 to 25 working as a junior employee, trainee or student.
This year’s People’s Choice Award winner, which is voted for online by FESPA’s global speciality print community, was presented to PVG’S Maharashtra Institute of Printing Technology in India for their entry titled “Screen Printing Graphics” submitted in the Young Star category.
The Best in Show Award is judged across all categories on the work that the judges felt represented the most outstanding example of print. This year the award was presented to two companies, Atelier fuer Siebdruck from Switzerland, for its screen printed entry “Creativ Verpacken” in the Serigraphies and Fine Art category and VGL from the United Kingdom for its digitally printed entry “Beefeater Gin Underground Poster Campaign” in the Posters category.
The winners of this year’s FESPA Awards
Some of the gold winners of the application categories are:
TIMTAS appoints Magnum as agent for Indian market
Timtas Konfeksiyon Malzemeleri, one of the leading complete warehouse solution provider in the world, has appointed Magnum Resources Pvt. Ltd. as its agent for sales and after-sales services of its products in India. Magnum will be marketing its rack system, hanger system and cutting tables with pins in the Indian market. Besides, the company also manufactures cutting, spreading and fabric inspection machines in Turkey.
Timtas has been serving industrial and commercial customers since 1995. Its goal is to offer the best quality product to customers with reasonable prices within short time and to be their solution partner. According to Ridvan Ismail, Timtas, “By appointing Magnum as our agent, we are trying to get more involved with our Indian counterparts. To complete a project, we need teamwork. Our target is to provide the right solution at the right price on the right time to the Indian customers.”
“When compared to other competitors, our system is manual. Of course the labour cost is cheap here and we don’t need to invest in such system but I don’t agree with that. I think we need to train the people and make them more knowledgeable. When we install new systems, we teach the people how to use them, to increase their knowledge and their quality. We are also saving time not only for the production but also for them. The workers’ lives will get easier,” says Ridvan Ismail.
Speaking about their presence in world market he said, “We have been present in China, Bangladesh, Kazakhstan and in Europe for last so many years. We’ve been late in coming to India but I think that this is a good opportunity to start. Factories in India are accepting our technologies, they have been asking about the system. For me, India is important because it gives me a chance to bring my knowledge, to share it with my colleagues. Also, in term of business, India is the next country with big opportunities. The power of India is the availability odf raw materials and knowledge of workers here. The country is more organised than Bangladesh,” says Ridvan.
When asked about the ROI for the factories who are investing in this system he said, “In Turkey, it’s between 14 and 20 months. In India, I don’t exactly know the labour costs but I believe that it won’t be more than 30 months. I check the productivity in all the systems. The lowest productivity that you can get when you sell this kind of system is 35 per cent, which is really good to invest for.”
Commenting on the association Akshay Sharma, of Magnum Resources says, “Our company is duly recognized in the apparel and home textile for world best brands we represent. For achieving client satisfaction, we bring technology as per the future need of garment manufacturers. There is need for economical material handling and warehouse solutions and this is the reason why we have associated with TIMTAS from Turkey. It offers economical solution with simple to install system. We are focusing on providing sales and after-sales service for Titmas product. Their systems are ideal for Indian factories and very easy to handle by the operator,” says Akshay Sharma.
Magnum Resources Pvt. Ltd. India provides service and solutions along with technology and consultation to apparel and home textile industry. Established in 2004, Magnum Resources Pvt. Ltd offers manufacturing machines that includes industrial sewing equipment, industrial cutting equipment, embroidery, finishing and processing equipment.
Juki launches Simply Series at Garfab-TX Surat
Juki recently launched a new line of sewing machines – The Simply Smart SeriesduringGarfab-TX Surat exhibition held at Surat International Exhibition & Convention Center (SIECC) from April 5-7, 2019. The technology was launched by Juki with its agent for Gujarat region Bapu Traders. JUKI advances its activities to create the most suitable factories by making innovative efforts to solve the various problems a customer faces, through the further evolution and systemization of products and IoT. JUKI’s Digital Sewing Machines can respond actively to changes in sewing items and materials. These sewing machines are capable of digitalizing “seam” adjustment functions and setting parameters can be stored as a pattern. Apart from this the Simple Series has inbuilt production display function in the panel to display the current production status. The same production data can be taken to the cloud with addition of IOT along with the machine i.e. Janet (Juki advanced network system).
The new Simple Series machines will voice guiding system which assists the operator, Supervisor during the setting of the machine. When the amount of oil changes to empty or full, the machine informs at voice guide. Though it has voice guiding function will announce the production status of the process in fixed time intervals. Other than production one will also be able to get machine utilization percentage of the machine too. Most importantly this machine is much user-friendly than any other machines in the industry. Simply Awesome technology for apparel makers. The Juki Simply Smart Series currently composes of 4 models which are mentioned below:
LK-1900S: Computer-controlled, high-speed, bartacking machine
The machine has been designed to have simplified and narrowed down capabilities that are essentially required to produce JUKI’s established seam quality. This sewing machine shortens the total cycle time with its improved capabilities such as the maximum sewing speed of 3,200 sti/min, quick acceleration at the beginning of sewing and quick deceleration at the end of sewing, increased thread trimming speed and work clamp foot lifting speed.
DDL-8000A: Direct-drive, high-speed, 1- needle, lockstitch machine with automatic thread trimmer & auto – lifter motor driven
The machine is the new lockstitch and the flag ship model in the Simply Smart Series of machines. This model is a perfect combination of advanced sewing performance and economical design. With a powerful internally build motor both space and costs are saved over traditional eternal motors. The DDL-8000A comes with a USB port for the charging of personal electronics right in the machine head. With the advanced dry technology of enabling operation without being lubricated, a frame which does not need lubrication has been developed. It is provided with not only a high-speed sewing capability, but also a safety feature for preventing oil stains.
LK-1903S: Computer-controlled, high-speed, lockstitch, button machine
The machine has been designed to have simplified and narrowed down capabilities that are essentially required to produce Juki’s established seam quality. The machine’s starting, stopping, thread-trimming, up and down of button clamp jaw lever and the jump speeds have reducing to total cycle time. The machine is provided as standard with 50 different sewing patterns. The machine permits easy changeover of sewing patterns for effortless execution of an inexhaustible range of sewing specifications.
LBH-1790S: Computer-controlled, high-speed, buttonholing machine
The machine has been designed to have simplified and narrowed down capabilities that are essentially required to produce Juki’s established seam quality. This sewing machine achieves higher productivity with its improved capabilities such as the maximum sewing speed of 4,200 sti/min, quick acceleration at the beginning of sewing and quick deceleration at the end of sewing, increased thread trimming speed and the auto-lifter performance. Thanks to Juki’s unique multiple-times knife dropping function, the knife replacement is no longer required even when the buttonholing size is changed.
